Episodes

In this episode we speak with Zach Sandau from onX Maps to better understand how we can use onX Maps before, during, and after the hunt. And we talk specifically about what's new, and what's coming, in the app platform. onX has truly been a game-changer for the way we hunt, and we are always excited to learn more about what new features and data is being added to their app platform. For more tips on using onX maps in the field, check out our blog post on Backcountry Navigation Tips using onX...

Introducing the Monday Minute. This is a new unscripted, unedited, "show within the show" that will cover timely topics, listener Q&A, give you a preview of this week's main podcast show, and also feature, uhhh... whatever else we decide to throw in there. Share your questions or feedback by email: podcast@exomountaingear.com

Packing food for backcountry adventures usually means relying on a bunch of pre-packaged options. And although the quality of packaged food offered on the market has never been better, preparing your own meals will be cheaper, offer more flexibility, and ensure you know exactly what you are eating. Dehydrating is something that might sounds complex, but it isn't — and we break that down in this episode. As a hunter, you have access to the highest-quality lean proteins on the planet, and...

The Full Draw Film Tour is an event to see bowhunting on the big screen. But more than just films, the FDFT is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded hunters, win some gear, support conservation, and even see an Exo pack in person. In this episode we speak with Jade Helmich of the FDFT to learn about what's new for 2018 — including the expanded tour dates and locations that are coming across the country, from coast to coast. See all dates and locations at FullDrawFilmTour.com

There are many things to consider when choosing foods for backcountry hunts. Most often, foods are selected because of how they taste, how convenient they are to find and prepare, and how light or “calorically dense” they are. All of those considerations are valid, but we should also start to ask questions like… What does my body need? What foods will allow me to perform at my best, day-after-day, on long hunts? What role can nutrition play in allowing me to hunt more effectively? To...

In our previous episode we discussed Critical Factors of Broadhead Performance, in this show we are looking at Critical Factors of Broadhead Flight. Our guest for this discussion is Darren Cooper. As an accomplished bowhunter, and former design engineer for Hoyt Archery, Darren understands bows, arrows, and broadhead flight. Darren helps us understand how to get better broadhead flight by deconstructing critical factors of arrow selection, vane selection, bow tuning, and much more. Learn...

A broadhead is the physical point of contact between the bowhunter and the animal being hunted. This point of contact is critical, so broadhead selection should be considered critically. With seemingly countless broadheads available on the market, how should you evaluate which one to shoot? Should you choose a fixed-blade or a mechanical? Should have 2, 3, or 4 blades? Is bigger better? Are premium models worth the cost? The questions could go on and on... And there isn't one right answer....

How should one defend themselves in a grizzly bear encounter? Better yet, how should they avoid that encounter in the first place. And in a defense scenario, should they use a firearm, bear spray, or something else altogether? If using a firearm for bear defense, what caliber and load should one choose? These questions, and more, are answered on this episode with Chris Forrest, owner of TACTIC MT, and instructor of their innovative "Surviving the Griz" course that educates, equips, and...

Wolf hunting. It can be a hotly debated topic. There are a lot of opinions out there, many of which are very strongly held. In this episode we discuss the wolf hunt that Corey Jacobsen and Tyler Crockett went on this year on Idaho. We talk about the experience they had during the hunt, and discuss WHY they hunt wolves. "No one cares more about wildlife than hunters. No one contributes more funding to the management and conservation of wildlife than hunters. Whether it be predator or prey,...

Does a do-it-yourself hunt in Alaska seem possible? Do you have the money, time, and knowledge? If you answered "no" to any of those questions, this show will make you reconsider your answer. Our guest, Abe Henderson, is an Alaskan hunting guide that founded HuntAlaskaDIY.com and is publishing "how to" guides for regular hunters — like you and me — to give them what they need to make a do-it-yourself Alaskan adventure hunt possible. >>>>> Save 20% on the Kodiak Sitka Blacktail Guide with...

The Solo Hunter, Tim Burnett, joins us on this episode. The topics we cover with Tim are far-ranging, and move well beyond what you might expect. We collected numerous listener questions for Tim before this show, and those questions focused primarily around advice for hunting solo, some aspects of filming hunts, and more general hunting tactics. But this conversation goes well beyond those topics and is sure to give you something to think about. Learn more at...

Two buddies from Arkansa travel to the high country of Colorado in search of Mule Deer. They have never hunted the mountains, never hunted Mule Deer, and never been on an adventure of this scale — but they got it done. They brought home some velvet, meat, and unforgettable memories. This is their story. This can be your story. Tune in and learn what they did right, what they did wrong, and how it all came together as a trip they'll never forget. LEARN MORE & SUBSCRIBE AT:...

Our guest for this episode is Kenton Clairmont from Train to Hunt. Our discussion is about much more than hunting, though. We dive deeper and discount mindset, confidence, and discipline, and how these things lead to success in hunting...and life in general. If you need to be challenged or encouraged to up your game, be sure to give this one a listen and take it to heart. Learn more at ExoMountainGear.com/podcast

Our guest on this episode is Douglas Boze, author of "The Ultimate Guide to Black Bear Hunting" and "No Bait, Just Bears: Black Bear Hunting Tactics". We speak with Doug about a wide-array of bear hunting topics, including the differences between Fall and Spring hunts, how to identify key habitat and food sources, shot placement and after-shot care, and as the title implies — bear hunting tactics without the use of bait. Learn more and subscribe at http://ExoMountainGear.com/podcast

There are numerous similarities between hunting turkey and elk. First and foremost, they're both a ton of fun. If you haven't yet gotten into hunting the wild turkey, we hope this show inspires you to do so. If you're a turkey hunter that' looking to increase the effectiveness of your calling, you should also tune-in. Our guest, Scott Ellis, is a multiple-time Grand National Calling champion, and has been putting his calling to the test in the field, on wild birds, for several decades....

Our guest tonight, Mark Gassner, is one of you. He’s a regular guy who loves to hunt, but also has to deal with the responsibilities of work, family, and life in general. For Mark, hunting has been more struggle than ease, but he kept going. After years and years of trying, Mark’s arrow connected with his first bull. In this conversation, Mark shares what he learned over the years, what kept him motivated, what challenged him, and what it felt like to finally get his hands on his first...

Our guest, Justin Shaffer (@justinshaffer1115), is an Army Ranger Sniper, a hunting guide, a taxidermist, and somehow still managed to fill a seemingly countless number of tags in 2017 — including a grizzly, a Chugach Dall Ram, a Colorado Big Horn, and numerous other species. We speak with Justin about a variety of topics, and dive deep into the team effort that went into filling his Colorado Big Horn tag on a wonderful ram. The story is incredible. Although many of you, like me, won’t be...

Steve and Mark are back from the ATA (Archery Trade Association) Show, where they got a chance to shoot all of the new bows for 2018 and see the latest and greatest in bowhunting gear. They talk about their highlights from the show, trends developing in the industry, and much more. Steve and Mark also answer several listener questions that cover the topics of efficiency in packing and re-packing camp, finding trailheads using mapping resources, tents vs. hammocks, and water bladders vs....

We've always wanted this show to be about you, the listener, and connecting you guys with valuable guests. It is not about us — we are simply the "men in the middle". That philosophy is highlighted in this episode, where we feature the story of one of you — our listeners — and how the podcast resulted in a successful first elk hunt. We talk with Brian Oden, and hear how this "regular guy" from Arkansas drove all the way out to Idaho and tagged-out on a bull during his first hunt. Brian...

We are all constantly trying to improve. We learn from each and every day spent in the field, pursuing what we love. Imagine if you could take several consecutive months and spend it "out there". How much could you learn? Imagine how real, concrete, and true the lessons would be. In this episode, we get to learn from someone that has had this experience. Emory Ronald (ByLand.co) hiked the Pacific Crest Trail this past year, and he joins us to share some of the lessons he learned on his...